How Yoga Made Me Fierce

Before I became a yoga goddess (or more accurately: a Yoga Mat Monkey), I had some reservations about the practice and the lifestyle. As a matter of fact, I thought that some of the talk about chakras, prana, and the like was a bit on the hippy-dippy side.

The mysticism left me a little apprehensive, and forget about ayurveda. Modern medicine and your typical gym experience were all I knew and was ready to trust. But as I opened my heart to the practice and began to explore things outside of my comfort zone, I realized yoga could teach me things I didn’t expect to ever learn from twisting and posing: how to be FIERCE!

How I Started, Improved, and Learned From My Yoga Practice

Certain postures have tested my balance, flexibility, and strength. Others have shown me I could move with grace and elegance. As my interest in all things yoga piqued, I slowly amassed a collection of yoga books, magazines, and videos. I purchased a lovely standing mirror so I could keep an eye on my form. I took classes and boned up on proper breath and alignment. I began to master poses I initially felt were too difficult. Another thing I noted: yoga increased my confidence.

It was a natural progression, and it happened entirely by accident. I discovered that lifting my feet off the floor to position into crow pose — a delicate arm balance where the weight of your entire body rests solely on your hands– was not impossible for me. Once I let go of the fear of falling forward, I was able to achieve my goal.

When You Fall and Get Up, You Find Your Fierce

That’s not to say I didn’t land on my head a few times. I did and it hurt. But when I dusted myself off and stifled the voice of reason, opting instead to listen to my inner warrior, I gave it another go. And another…and another. I practiced until I could perch like a pro in that intricate posture.

That led to other advanced asanas, including head stands and single-leg swan balances. Pretty soon, the confidence I gained spilled over into other areas of my life.

Before I knew it, I was sporting runway red hair (I don’t recommend that), and making bold moves in love and life. I was living out loud, as the cool kids say.

That’s how yoga made me fierce, and fearless, and so incredibly excited about what’s to come, what I will try, and all I will eventually master.

If you kick fear to the curb, you can dance in the streets, or as Rumi so poetically said,

“ On this path let the heart be your guide, for the body is hesitant and full of fear.”

I’m new to Yoga and I LOVE it! I feel so much more flexible, confident, and strong, but I am yet to master so many of the poses, like bird pose and handstands! I have to be careful as if I do too many classes my vertigo comes back to haunt me. But I’m not letting that stop me!

I just came back from a yoga retreat and can relate. I loved it yet I’m struggling to find the time to start a regular practice. So inspiring… it’s giving me the motivation to really get into more. Such amazing benefits. Have you read Bringing Yoga to Life by Donna Fahri ? How does it compare to your top 5 yoga books?